Evaluating the Feasibility and Intercorrelation of Measurements on the Functioning of Residents Living in Scandinavian Nursing Homes

Background. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of measurements of muscle strength, balance, cognitive function, mobility, activities of daily living (ADL), and physical activity for use in a Scandinavian nursing home population and to examine intercorrelations between these measurements. Method. The design was cross-sectional and 322 residents' functions were evaluated by grip strength, the Timed Chair Stand Test, Berg's Balance Scale, Falls Efficacy Scale, Swedish version of Mini-Mental State Examination, 10-m walking and wheelchair propulsion at self-selected and maximum speed, functional independence measure, physiotherapy clinical outcome variables, and the Nursing Home Life Space Diameter. Results. The mean age of the group was 85 years. Sixty-four percent were able to walk with or without walking aids, and 59% were able to rise independently from chair once. The level of participation in the tests was 70% or more, except for the 10-m walking/wheeling test and the Timed Chair Stand Test. No floor or ceiling effect was discovered. The significant correlation coefficients between different measurements of muscle strength, balance, cognitive function, mobility, ADL, and physical activity range from 0.14 to 0.90. Conclusion. The instruments seem to be feasible for residents in Scandinavian nursing homes, and the residents appear to be a heterogeneous group with respect to functioning, mostly at low level.